Actress Alpana Buch, who plays the much-loved character of Leela Ba in Star Plus‘ Anupamaa, by Rajan Shahi, says the show has changed her life in ways she never imagined. The show has made Alpana a household name not just in India, but across the world.
Talking about the immense popularity she has gained through the show, Alpana shares, “Definitely, it’s such a popular show. People already knew Alpana Buch from theatre and Gujarati films, but this show has made me famous as Leela Ba. Today, not only in India, but even in countries like the UK and the USA, people recognise me as Ba. Leela Ba has become a universal Ba, and that is a very big thing for me.”
The actress says she feels grateful every single day for the love she receives from audiences. “Awards come and go, but audience love is everything. An actor is incomplete without the audience. They are our strength, our confidence, and our biggest support system. Without them, we are nothing,” she says emotionally.
Alpana also reveals that her family immediately sensed the impact the show would create. “My husband, who is also an actor, watched the first episode and told me, ‘Prepare yourself, because you are going to be part of a superhit show.’ My daughter was also extremely proud when she saw me in Anupamaa,” she recalls.
Speaking about emotionally difficult scenes, Alpana remembers a recent track where the Shah family struggled financially. “There was a scene where Bapuji was selling incense sticks on the road while I had gone to cook at someone’s house. That scene really stayed with me. It made me think about how difficult life can become for senior citizens if they face financial problems. It was emotionally very taxing,” she says.
After being part of the show for six years, Alpana feels the character has become inseparable from her personality. “The moment I wear Leela’s costume, hair and makeup, she automatically comes alive inside me. Her body language, her way of speaking, everything becomes natural to me now,” she says.
Off camera, however, Alpana enjoys a quieter routine on set. “Whenever I’m not shooting, I go to my room, switch off the lights, and watch web series or films on Netflix and Amazon Prime. That’s my favourite way to relax,” she shares with a smile.
She also cherishes the bond she shares with her co-stars and crew members. “Our lunch table is the most fun place on set. Rupali, the direction team, and a few of us sit together, eat food from home, and talk about everything — from college memories and family discussions to fashion, politics, and life in general. Those moments are very special to me,” Alpana concludes.
